Gut microbiota metabolic axis dysfunction in estrogen deficient stressed rats

Area of Science:

• Endocrinology
• Microbiology
• Metabolic Health

Background:

• Gut dysbiosis (imbalanced gut microbiota) is linked to metabolic dysfunction after estrogen loss in menopause.
• Hormonal changes and stress can worsen obesity, dyslipidemia, and diabetes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create a preclinical model investigating estrogen deficiency and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) effects on gut microbiota and metabolic dysfunction.
• To elucidate physiological, biochemical, and molecular changes in estrogen-deficient, stressed states.

Main Methods:

• Ovariectomized (OVX) rats were exposed to CUMS for 28 days.
• Evaluated physiological, adiposity, anthropometric, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers.
• Assessed gut microbiota composition, tight junction proteins, and performed histopathological examination of liver and colon.

Main Results:

• OVX and CUMS induced physiological changes, increased adiposity, and altered anthropometric markers.
• Elevated oxidative stress and inflammation in liver, colon, and serum were observed.
• Gut dysbiosis, mucosal damage, disrupted tight junctions, and tissue damage in liver and colon occurred.

Conclusions:

• Estrogen deficiency and CUMS, individually and combined, disrupt the gut-metabolic axis.
• This preclinical model demonstrates synergistic effects contributing to gut and metabolic dysfunction in postmenopausal states.